MACOY ERKAMPS insists Sheffield Steelers need to match the work-rate of Fife Flyers if they are to avoid a third defeat of the season against their Elite League rivals.
Three weeks ago, the Steelers came off second-best in back-to-back overtime defeats against Tim Wallace’s team, leading to stinging criticism from sections of the fanbase.
The Steelers have since bounced back with three wins in four league and Challenge Cup games but know they can ill-afford further slip-ups against a team many expect them to beat.
The Flyers - who beat Belfast Giants 3-2 in a Challenge Cup group game in midweek - visit the Utilita Arena on Sunday looking to upset their hosts for a third time, but Erkamps is open enough to admit that while the Steelers may possess the more skilled players on their roster, that counts for nothing if they get out-worked.
“The last time we played Fife, they got the better of us both games,” said the 31-year-old defenceman. “So we're looking to make a statement there on Sunday because we have to be better in the league and start climbing the rankings a little bit.
“Everyone talks about Fife's season before, but it doesn’t matter this is a different season. “They have obviously got a pretty good squad over there. They work hard and while we do maybe have a bigger budget and more skill, working hard matters.
“And if we're not working harder than the other team, then we're pretty average. And we know that and we've seen that over the past couple of weeks.
“So we've got to show up and use our work ethic as well as our skill.”
Before welcoming the Flyers, the Steelers have an opportunity to secure a semi-final spot in the Challenge Cup when they travel to Cardiff Devils on Saturday night.
With two games remaining, the Steelers top Group A by virtue of having more wins than Nottingham Panthers, who have also played one game more.
Cardiff are four points back but with a game in hand on the Steelers, who won the reverse fixture in Sheffield 3-1 on September 26.